Social characterisation of small and medium-sized cattle production systems in the department of Norte de Santander, Colombia.

Abstract

Background. Bovine farming in Norte de Santander is an activity has traditionally developed, being an important line of the departmental economy, growth has been slow due to multiple factors, like the armed conflict in Catatumbo, negatively affecting the expansion of rurality, making it necessary to know sociodemographic aspects that allow expanding the panorama of opportunities for the growth of the activity. Background, Objective. The objective of this research was to characterize small and medium productions in six subregions of the department from the social sphere and the characteristics of the physical space of the productive systems. Methods. Structured surveys were applied to 210 producers located in the municipalities of El Zulia, Arboledas, Ocaña, El Tarra, Pamplona and Chinácota, taking into account location, extension of land, development of agricultural activities, academic training, use of qualified labor, among others, the data obtained were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results. Livestock has been developed for more than 15 years, less than 50% of the producers have academic training in the agricultural area, regarding location, more than 50% of the farms are at distances less than or equal to 10km from the urban area, 79.05% of the properties manage extensions between 0.5 and 40 hectares with variable topography. Conclusions. The systems handle minimum levels of technification; however, there is a potential for improvement with the implementation of qualified labor, environmentally friendly practices, the availability of basic services, and accessibility to local markets.